Former PTI politician Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT), previously a close confidante of Imran Khan, is expected to announce his new political party, predominantly composed of ex-PTI members, within the next few days.
According to the inner circle of JKT, the development arose during a luncheon at the residence of former PTI leader Aleem Khan, which was arranged in honor of JKT and his affiliates.
In the lead-up to the launch of this new political entity, Tareen has reportedly been in contact with over 100 political figures. However, many of these individuals recently cut ties with the PTI after the events of May 9.
The subsequent government decision to try the protesters in military courts triggered a wave of departures from the party.
Jahangir Khan Tareen was the secretary general of PTI before he was disqualified from politics in 2017 by the Supreme Court on the grounds of dishonesty. Despite his disqualification, Tareen remained a part of PTI and was pivotal in enticing independent lawmakers to join the Imran Khan-led party after the 2018 elections. Moreover, his efforts were instrumental in securing Khan’s prime ministerial position.
However, following the PTI’s ascent to power, Tareen and Aleem Khan had a falling out with the party. In May 2022, former Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that the rift arose when he refused to grant “illegal benefits” to both leaders. He claimed that Aleem Khan expected him to legalize his 300-acre land near Ravi, while Tareen allied himself with individuals involved in a sugar scandal.
Today’s luncheon saw the participation of current and former PTI leaders, including Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry. Following the luncheon, discussions occurred about establishing a new political party, with participants suggesting to JKT, “Instead of forming a pressure group, we should form a new political party.” The consensus was that those leaving PTI should have a new platform.
